Emailing those large files, and corresponding about internal projects and tasks, can put your company, and your employees, at confidentiality risks. Employees, just trying to collaborate, and do their jobs, can inadvertently expose your company’s proprietary information. According to the Department of Homeland Security, you should never click on links, or open attachments, in emails.

So, how does a company who wants to have employees easily collaborate, and have quick and simple access remotely to projects, files, general correspondence, and sharing information solve this problem?

Actually, it’s very simple…

Companies wanting to ensure their shared information is secure employ a strong File Sync and Sharing Tool (FSS). There are several out there, but our personal favorite is Autotask Workplace, and we’ve been using it for years. This “built for business” solution has configurable security and easy remote access to files for data management and business continuity. It helps our company be more productive and do business faster through secure access to any type of business content, from any location….and, yes, using any device.

Employees need to access files easily and securely from wherever their work takes them. More than 150,000 businesses trust Autotask Workplace every day for their file sharing and collaboration needs. We know why. Having your files easily accessible, secure, and shareable, is what every business, big and small, needs.

With mobile use increasing and access to viral networks the new norm, the sheer amount of digital information employees want to access and share across multiple mobile devices is growing dramatically. Workers in all types of organizations, whether mobile or onsite, now expect complete flexibility in which device they choose to use and seamless access and transfer of documents between colleagues and partners, regardless of the device their external contacts may be using. If your organization is like ours, you need complete control of those devices and how your users are using them to protect your corporate data from security risks.

With the continued increase of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and remote and mobile workforces, users need to work and collaborate efficiently, and IT support needs to securely manage the flood of user devices and content. When your organization deploys new services, integration with existing systems is critical.

Autotask Workplace is a complete, secure file sharing and collaboration solution that enables your team members to safely access, manage, organize and share files from any device, anywhere. It enables productivity by allowing individuals or teams to work on any documents or digital content – from their device – in real time, without fear of security breaches. Autotask Workplace also gives employees built-in security controls that can be set up based on how they need to share information with team members.

To ensure you maximize productivity while keeping information secure and accessible, be certain your File Sync & Sharing Solution includes these important features:

Mobile Productivity

o Support for Multiple Devices

o Cross-device Collaboration and Editing

o Smart Sync Capabilities

o On and Offline Access

o Version Control

o Secure Sharing without Forced Registration

o Scan to PDF for Instant Field Image and Document Capture

o Automated Document QR Coding

Content Privacy & Security

o Encryption In-session, In-transit, On-device

o Policy-based Control of Content, Users & Devices

o Download / Copy Prevent; Auto PDF

o Built-in Remote Wipe Capabilities

o Two-factor Authentication

o Share Content with Links

o Inactivity Session Timers

o IP Address White Listing

Team Collaboration

o Systems Integration

o Real-time, Multi-platform Sync

o No File Size Limit

o Continuous Real-time Backup

o Cloud-enable Your File Server

It’s so nice to not have to email large files. We can send secure links and keep feedback and conversations organized around content, not lost in emails. Whether we’re at our desks or on the road, everyone is kept in sync across offices and networks, whether there’s a connection or not. Easy sharing of information for all employees means access to company content is always at their fingertips and alerts notify work groups of changes

Here at Altec Systems, we use Autotask Workplace ourselves, to secure our own projects and correspondence. We are a security company who values the security of our own information, as well as our customers’.

We’re very pleased with the fact that we can keep all of our files in sync across business and home offices. We’re confident that all employees have access to company content right at their fingertips and alerts notify our teams of any changes. Constantly updated, accurate version history is always available, and the process is smart, safe and secure.

Autotask’s Workplace is HIPAA compliant and incorporates 2 Factor Authentication with full audit trails for ensuring compliance.

We are proud to have partnered with Autotask to provide this complete FSS solution. We use it daily, and when you are ready to take the next step in information security, just let us know and we’ll easily configure your company for this secure workplace remote access and collaboration tool.

Learn more about this FSS Solution here.

Just contact us here, anytime, and we’ll get you started on securing your workplace environment.

Tim’s humility, charisma, and endearing sense of humor, gave him an amazing ability to “hold court” with any group, while ensuring everyone felt comfortable and entertained.  This fine mix of qualities made Tim, uniquely Tim.

Security was his Passion

Tim Feury founded Altec Systems, Inc. in 1994. He gained his early security industry experience at ADT and Honeywell Systems, prior to launching his own security solutions company 23 years ago in Georgia.

Tim served on the board of directors of PSA Security Network for 6 years (2007-2013).  He acted as Chairman of PSA’s Technical Committee, which produces a healthy mix of new technical solution offerings for its members each year.

The Building Owners and Managers Association of metro Atlanta, and the American Society of Industrial Security, were just a few of the many security industry associations where Tim contributed his time and talent.

Tim’s common-sense look at the security industry, and his forward-thinking strategic view of where the industry was headed, made him a sought after advisor and panel member.

Then and Now

Hailing from New Jersey, Tim was the father of three fine men. He had a sweet daughter-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter.  Tim was brother to seven siblings, a relative and friend to many, and an avid dog lover.  And, Tim was my one, true, inamorato.

On June 12^th, 2014, Tim passed away in our home, unexpectedly, just a few days after his 56^th birthday, and just two weeks shy of our 10^th wedding anniversary.

With a heavy heart, I took over as owner of Altec Systems, here in Marietta, Georgia.

Fortunately, Tim’s sister, Pat, and the rest of the very competent and loyal team of Altec Systems, remained with the company.

By the grace of God, we persevered, continuing the company mission of serving our communities by providing premier commercial technology solutions – one client at a time.

Our Future

Tim and his loyal dog, Fletcher

Now, three years after Tim’s passing, we move forward with Tim’s vision.  Altec Systems continues to grow as we venture into new markets and leading-edge commercial security and IT services.

We know Tim is proud that the company he began those many years ago, continues strong today.

We feel Tim’s presence with us, and have no doubt he is still positively influencing, and guiding, us as we take on each new challenge and opportunity.

(Tim Feury, 1958 – 2014)

Access Control systems have been being deployed for many years. Traditionally, an end user would procure these systems via a medium to large capital expendure. Today, with technologies such as software as a service and mobile devices, is this business model being challenged by Access Control as a Service (ACaaS)?

Access control manufacturers have been designing their systems with more and more intricate features. These features can include integration to closed circuit television, building HVAC systems, and visitor management. These manufacturers spend countless resources upgrading their software to add these new features and accommodate existing and new integrations. Costs are typically passed on to the end user in the form of software support agreements and other support costs.

Today’s access control manufacturers typically write their software to communicate with the access control equipment only, increasing costs even further. It is not uncommon for today’s access control systems to be in the $3,000 per reader price range.

The number of readers in the average system installed today is typically less than eight. Many of these end users are single locations that are controlling only a few doors. Their requirements include locking doors, either 24/7 or on a schedule, and allowing only authorized card holders access to these doors. Very rarely is integration to other systems required. The system provides them a basic level of security with the ability to audit the activity on the system.

What is Access Control as a Service (ACaaS)?

ACaaS is a method of providing an access control system to an end user with no, or minimal, initial upfront costs. This solution includes:

• The access control software is typically delivered via a multi-tenant application that resides on a server either in a data center or central station.
• The customer accesses the application via a web browser.
• The cost of the software is included in the monthly subscription fee.
• The application is shared over many customers, so the support costs are lower than an on premise system.
• Since the software is hosted outside the customer’s firewall, the security provider can easily provide remote support and assistance.
• Additionally, since most customers only require basic access control, lower cost control panels may be used, helping to lower the initial investment by the customer.

A typical ACaaS customer will average 2-4 readers. They do not require a lot of the bells and whistles that manufacturers typically incorporate into their systems. The basic functions of the system are a “good enough” solution. Many of these customers are looking for a simple system to provide an audit trail and replace their traditional door keys.

As web applications become more robust and the cost of providing the service decreases, ACaaS could gain significant traction being deployed in larger access control systems, thereby disrupting the traditional access control market.

Businesses who used Managed Access Control in the snowstorm found this solution to be especially beneficial for a few key reasons:

First, the authorized individual for the business, or office, could email or call in a request to have their doors lock and unlock at new times…without having to be at their place of business.

Second, with just an internet connection to the remote software, the Managed Access control solution provider could complete the customer’s request for changes without having to be at their place of business!

This remote ability, on both the customer and the provider’s part, made completing these employee and building access changes simple, easy…and fast.

This recent storm points to just one example of how convenient, pertinent, and timely it is to have your business protected using a managed access control solution. Additionally, this solution allows for ease of adding and removing users as employees join or depart an organization. Also, specific areas of your business can have specific rules about who can enter and when that entry can occur.

Managed Access Control solutions are becoming more and more popular as businesses discover how having remote access to their security systems is key under normal circumstances…and critical when the unexpected occurs.

For more information on how your business might benefit from a managed access control solution, please contact us today.

However, consider what would it would mean to your company if a laptop full of your customer’s credit card numbers is stolen from an employee’s unlocked car, or someone looking through your office windows sees a secretary type employee Social Security numbers into your company database. Physical protection is also an important component of network security.

Start by recording the location of any company-owned devices used to access information, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Keep track of who is using the asset, why he or she has it, and where it goes if taken outside the office. This is particularly important for devices that are obsolete or no longer being used. These are often forgotten under a desk or left in unlocked drawers. They should inside a locked cabinet within a locked room, such as where your servers are located.

Give keys to the secure room only to yourself and a few trusted employees. Anyone who requires access or who must borrow a device must go through these individuals. In addition, cameras inside the room and in the corridors leading to it act as a further security strategy. Store the video recorded by these cameras in two locations: onsite for easy access and offsite to prevent tampering.

For more information on how to implement solutions for total network security, please contact us.

The downfall of this is that while younger workers may pick up technology faster, they do not necessarily take network security seriously. And because they are always connected to their mobile devices, they’re constantly putting themselves and their information at risk to data thieves. The combination of being always connected to technology while not taking network security seriously is a recipe for disaster, and thus they are to data thieves what an unsuspecting gazelle is to a hunting cheetah.

A recent Security Week article discusses this situation and why it is detrimental to network security. According to the article, many employees focus on access to their devices and device compatibility, rather than security:

“The new generation of employee, while technically more advanced and savvy, pays little to no attention to security. This is not to suggest that they don’t understand security, but rather they are more concerned with keeping access to their devices, applications, and way of existence on the Internet, than adhering to company protocols on security. This represents the new reality for organizations to deal with and one that needs to be addressed quickly.”

The solution to this essentially involves two steps: employing an IT security service that specializes in small businesses and training employees so that they understand why network security is important. An IT security service is essential for small businesses that store crucial data on the Internet, which can be effective, but dangerous as well if the proper steps are not taken. Training employees ensures that they will not carelessly post company data online without taking the proper precautions.

Before hiring a young employee, put yourself in their shoes and consider if your company is doing enough to stress network security. Then evaluate your current network security plan, and consider whether it’s time to upgrade to a better IT security service.

If you would like to improve your company’s network security, request your free demo below or just contact us and let’s talk about the best way to secure your network.

CCTV is the use of video cameras to conduct surveillance of an area through transmission to selected monitors. It can be used covertly or “in plain sight”. The “in plain sight” option is used as more of a deterrent to crime, whereas a criminal is less likely to attempt utilizing his/her skills on a business where they can actually see video cameras “in plain sight”.

CCTV is almost a mandatory form of security for some businesses such as a factory, warehouse, casino, or bank. Many more businesses can also be well-served by CCTV as a theft deterrant. Take for example, the retail industry. The owner of a retail shop could choose CCTV as a monitoring system for all of the following areas:

• Where goods and inventory are scanned for price and quantity.
• Workers entering/exiting the store.
• Documents storage.
• Office areas being used for financial operations.
• Any area where cash is being stored.
• More!

A perfect example of the usefulness for these systems happened on that dark day when the Boston Marathon experienced severe tragedy in the form of two terrorist bombings. One small consolation to this event was the fact that the retail store, “Lord & Taylor” had their surveillance cameras running and a high quality image of the suspects was captured, which led to their apprehension.

CCTV is playing a bigger and bigger role is security every day. As crime gets more advanced and high tech, so does the technology to stop it.

“Altec Systems” is a premier Security Services and Technology Solutions company. Take the confusion out of selecting the right CCTV solution for your business, and let Altec Systems provide you with an absolutely free, no obligation, assessment of your facility or wherever you need appropriate surveillance.

Essentially, utilizing managed access control for your company allows you to outsource many of the time-consuming details that accompany maintaining your security system. Unlike the traditional version of access control, this solution offers a single point of contact for all of your access control requests, needed restrictions and updated clearances for your current and new employees. The time you save managing such details can be better spent developing your business strategies or finding new employees.

Managed access control systems typically provide regular reports on your system’s activity and updates noting any revisions made to employee clearances. Premier systems are backed by state-of-the art help centers to ensure your private information is well-protected. Activating a managed access control system is not difficult – low monthly fees and a simple set-up process will have your business registered and access control system rapidly installed.

It is important to carefully investigate the access control management system of your choice before you agree to the contract. Not all access systems maintain the same professional standards and you’ll want to select one with a solid reputation, carefully implemented security features and highly-trained staff who are willing to work with the unique needs of your business.

To learn more of what access control is all about and the types of access control solutions available, check out these short YouTube videos here:

What Is Access Control?

Types of Access Control

Ready for more? Sign up for a free Access Control Assessment now.

]]> https://altecsystems.com/why-cloud-services-the-remote-workforce/ Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:30:15 +0000 http://www.test2.altecsystems.com/?p=2299 Read more]]> Most people associate the term “remote workforce” with high tech employment. However the fact of the matter is, the remote workforce can also include jobs such as salespeople, tradespeople, bookkeepers, employees stationed at remote sites, or employees who spend most of their day working directly with clients at client sites.

Why Cloud Services?

Cloud services provides businesses with all of the employer / employee advantages of having a remote workforce.

It’s Cheaper: The days of having enough physical space for every employee are over. Remote employees, with their own laptops and smartphones, do not need to be sitting at a desk in an office, in which you are paying rent.

It’s Flexible: A virtual workspace is always the right size. You never have too much room and you never have too little space. You can hire the right person for the job at the hours you need.

It’s Greener: Drive times, gas costs, parking costs and the other complications associated with commuting are eliminated for employees who do not necessarily need to be at the physical workplace.

It’s Targeted: A remote workforce means that you can easily hire and supervise someone outside of your immediate area, especially if your business has multiple locations or a wide geographic range. You can hire the right person in the right place for the job.

It’s Productive: Having the option of allowing employees to work from home under certain circumstances means more productivity. When working with employees who are in remote or at client sites, it can mean greater accountability.

Cloud services allow employers and employees direct access to the same place – the workplace. Employees can connect from anywhere, and can experience the same features as they would if they were physically in the same office (i.e. secure files sharing and telephone system), as well as enabling collaboration from shared calendar, shared contacts and more.

Eliminate the IT headaches with cloud services so you can do what you do best – run your business.

Secure Outside Layers

The first layer is your property. It extends from the building to the property line. These outermost properties of the business must be protected, such as parking lots, parking decks, sidewalks and grassy areas. The second layer is the outer facility. The outer facility is the walls holding up the building; in other words the walls, doors and windows passersby and drivers see. The third layer is the interior. The interior is the inside of the company. This is where rooms, offices and company belongings are located. This is the place where criminals want to reach. Invest in a first-class physical security system that is equipped to protect all layers, keep burglars outside and protect the employees on the inside. Other things companies may want to invest in is a fence, windows shutters, door security bars, padlocks with keys, combination locks, and access control solutions.

Secure Inside Assets

Along with preventing intruders on the outside a business should prepare for intruders on the inside. Some criminals are employees planning to steal what the company has. The unfortunate part is that those employees know where the data and the security devices are located. Don’t let those criminals get the upper hand. A good security system may prevent those criminals from achieving their goal. Another way is to limit the number of people having access to confidential files, vaults and safes. Be sure to change passwords often and implement sound internal security processes around access to software, data sensitive files, rooms, offices, and other potential target facility areas.

A layered offense is your best defense

A layered offense will be your best defense against intruders. Stack your defenses with a commercial security system that protects you, the employees and the company. Sign up for our free business security consultation for more information about the best solutions to defend your business.